Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
Sakehinata, the liquor brand from Kyoto's Izumise Co., Ltd., is releasing "Late-Night Soda Float," a four-flavor liqueur series that now comes with an adorable bear bottle so anyone can recreate a colorful, low-alcohol cream soda at home.
Sankaku Goori, a shaved ice specialty shop located about 30 steps from Tottori Sand Dunes, has resumed sales of its Tottori strawberry kakigori, a dessert made with an ingredient cost ratio of more than 50%. This year the shop has also added takeout service for the first time.
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, Sannomiya Yokocho in Kobe will hold "Sannomiya Yokocho Grown-Ups' Summer Festival 2026," a community event blending food, drink, and old-fashioned festival games across its seven shops, with organizers aiming to draw 1,000 visitors and spark new connections through toasts and games.
Sawai Coffee is bringing back its summer-only Water-Brewed Iced Drip Coffee, a drip bag that skips the kettle entirely — just pour water over it for a single cup of iced coffee, no boiling required.
Shin-Furano Prince Hotel will serve a limited-time Japanese course menu themed around the scenes and story of TV drama "From the Northern Country" to mark the show's 45th broadcast anniversary, available from September 8 to October 18, 2026.
Nishimatsuya adds a compact, palm-sized toy to its SmartAngel Mini Real Sound lineup — the Mini Real Sound Police Bike rolls on friction power and triggers sound and light effects when its seat is pressed.
STEAMCREAM is releasing new limited-edition aluminum can designs featuring Pingu and Pinga on August 12, 2026, priced at ¥2,180 (tax excluded) for a 75g tin, available at its official online store and variety shops nationwide.
Sugar Doll, the dress-up and nurturing game available on the App Store and Google Play, has launched a new Arabian Nights-themed classic gacha "A Thousand and One Nights' Dream Tale" starting August 12, 2026, along with a limited-time background pack.
SUMIDA ART FESTIVAL 2026, the first ward-organized, multi-month comprehensive arts festival among Tokyo's 23 special wards, opens September 4, 2026 in Sumida Ward with more than 100 programs at over 50 locations. Tickets are now on sale for three of its performances — a new dance work and a play about care, both at Sumida Park Theater Kura, and an immersive walking tour running through the neighborhood.
BOOK HOTEL Jimbocho and BOOK HOTEL Kyoto Kujo are hosting a Sylvanian Families collaboration from September 5 to October 31, 2026, with hotel-wide dioramas, exclusive collaboration rooms, and a limited reading-themed cafe menu, cooperating with Epoch Co., Ltd.
Tachibana E Liquors has launched the 151st edition of its whisky lottery, featuring Yamazaki 18 Year as the top prize, with 466 limited entries available starting August 12, 2026.
The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, Takanawa Hanakohro, and Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa are opening reservations for their New Year Plan 2027 from September 18, 2026, featuring a countdown party and musical stage shows in the grand ballroom "Hiten," a New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony, and family-friendly Japanese culture experiences.